MRI of the lumbar spine is still generally better than CT, because MRI of the lumbar spine can look at herniated lumbar discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, and lumbar nerve root compression, as well as tumors within the lumbar spine nerves. Some minor fractures of the lumbar spine are not visible on CT or X-ray films, and can be further diagnosed by MRI of the lumbar spine. It is especially best for tuberculosis of the lumbar spine, metastases in the lumbar spine, and occupancy of the nerves within the lumbar spine. If the lumbar spinal stenosis is bony, it is better to do CT at this time. This is because it is much better than MRI to show bony stenosis, especially bony stenosis of the nerve root canal. Therefore, if it is a tumor, tuberculosis, lumbar compression fracture, or lumbar disc herniation in the lumbar spine, the first choice is lumbar spine MRI. In the case of lumbar spinal stenosis and bony stenosis, a CT examination should be performed to further observe the extent of the lesion and the degree of the disease.